Xmas Does Not Arrive in Metro Manila








Xmas Does Not Arrive in Metro Manila




I.


 


It is unleashed.


 


By malls, shopping centers,


commercial establishments.


 


Bombardment of artificial lights


shaming the stars.


 


Stereos blare the seasonal songs


in aid of merchandise.


 


There are no silent nights.


 


The four-month season


in all its burlesque glory.


 


II.


 


In the slums, the children


have Cronus for their Father.


 


In the slums, the children


fall prey to Herod’s henchmen.


 


In the slums, the angels


drop their guard.


 


In the slums, the saints


don’t intercede.


 


III.


 


Come New Year’s Eve, fireworks.


 


 


There will be explosions.


 


And sparks, from firecrackers.


 


Some, from the mouths of guns.


 


One, the last Xmas light a child


shall ever see.


 


IV.


 


Somewhere, a manger.


 


Somewhere, a silenced night.


Karlo Sevilla

Karlo Sevilla is a poet and author of the Soma Publishing poetry ebook "Metro Manila Mammal." https://www.somapublishing.com/2018/05/metro-manila-mammal.html



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